Date of Award

12-31-2025

Document Type

Campus Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Linguistics, Applied

First Advisor

Christian Chun

Second Advisor

Jennifer Sclafani

Abstract

My research examines the U.S. naturalization test, particularly the process that immigrants especially from a background of low formal education with low literacy and language levels go through as they prepare for naturalization. This examination is done within the historical context of the naturalization test. Building on my experience as a citizenship teacher, I explore how citizenship students and teachers interact with the multiple conflicting messages from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about the test. This project offers a grounded ethnographic study of the perceptions of and discourse around naturalization. I look at how de facto and de jure policy compares with the lived realities of my students and colleagues. In thinking with marginalized immigrant adult learners, I intend to contribute to broader conversations on adult education and citizenship.

Comments

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